UTE 100

Utah's highest ultramarathon, a 100 mile trail race through the the La Sal Mountains.

Trail Running Severe

Distance: 149 km
Ascent: 5.7 km
Descent: 5.7 km
Duration: 1 day +

Low Point: 2.1 km
High Point: 3.7 km
Gradient: 13˚

Presented by Run Bum Tours the Ute 100 tours Utah's second-highest mountain range, with a stifling average elevation of 9,000'. Lined with dramatic 360-degree views, "the course is about 30 miles of alpine meadows, 30 miles of Aspen groves, 30 miles of high desert, and 10 miles above tree-line in the scree covered hillsides," according to the race director. While it's not Utah's most difficult ultramarathon, it may be its most scenic.

La Sal Mountains Photo: Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4

Photo from UTE 100 — Photo: Brendon Voelker

Warner Campground Photo: Brendon Voelker

Description

Starting and ending at Mt. Peale Inn, racers have an early 3am start and face a long grueling climb into the mountains - nearly 3000' up in just 8 miles! The first of 11, the La Sal Aid Station welcomes runners 14 miles into the race.

After refueling, racers transition to the eastern side of the mountains, welcomed with a desert sunrise around 6:30am. Deep, vibrant hues fill the cold morning air which often dips into the 40's in August. Pack extra layers in your drop bags, and prepare for unadulterated views of the night sky during the overnight hours. The "stars and Milky Way will illuminate the nearly zero-pollution night sky," proclaims the race director.

Nearly all of the course takes place on singletrack, many sections defined by sharp, jagged rocks or sand. In addition to the terrain, exposure and remoteness of the course are two formidable elements that racers must overcome. The high mountain terrain and lengthy stretches between aid stations requires runners to plan their nutrition and hydration strategy carefully. A hydration vest or equivalent system is a necessity for this race. Trekking poles are also allowed on course.

Since the event is held in the middle of sumer, there is an emergency plan in place if severe weather becomes an issue. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible and the course may be rerouted if they become a danger to racers. A generous course cutoff has been alloted since some runners may need to seek shelter if they are caught in the weather. The race director urges participants to be extremely mindful of weather patterns and to respect the decision of any aid station that holds racers during a storm.

In addition to individual aid station cutoffs, there is a 40-hour cutoff for the entire course. While elite racers may finish under 24, the median finish time is much closer to 35 hours. Due to the high mountain nature of this epic 100-mile race, the director suggests racers not rely on the accuracy of GPS devices, as exactly mileage may vary over the distance. Live tracking is also available so that family and friends can follow your progress throughout the race.

Sources: http://hikeitlikeit.com/2018/the-ute-100/ https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=59650 https://www.runbumtours.com/ute-100-la-sal-utah